Ex-Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan emerges as potential candidate for GFA presidency - Reports

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan could enter the race for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidency ahead of next year's elections, amid uncertainty over incumbent Kurt Okraku's future.

Gyan, Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer, has emerged as a potential contender following reports that Okraku may not seek a third term despite a recent amendment to the association's statutes allowing presidents to serve three four-year terms.

The amendment was approved at the GFA's 2025 Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, fuelling speculation that Okraku, who also serves as the second vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), would seek re-election.

However, the GFA president has faced growing scrutiny following Ghana's disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars also failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, missing the continental showpiece for the first time in more than two decades.

Against this backdrop, Gyan has been tipped as a possible candidate for the association's top job, although the former Sunderland and Al Ain striker has yet to publicly declare his intention to contest.

The 40-year-old remains one of Ghana's most celebrated footballers, having represented the country at several FIFA World Cups and AFCON tournaments. He is also Africa's leading goalscorer in World Cup history.

Gyan has held various roles under Okraku's administration and currently serves as an ambassador for Ghana's national teams.

• Other potential candidates emerge

Several football administrators and former players have also been linked with the presidential race as the election approaches.

They include football administrator Samuel Annim Addo, former Brong Ahafo Regional Football Association chairman Ralph Gyambrah, Karela United chief executive Elloeny Amande and former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew.

Annim Addo, who has served on the GFA Executive Council, is involved in club football and manages Gyan.

Gyambrah brings experience in regional football administration, having previously chaired the Brong Ahafo Regional Football Association.

Amande, who heads Karela United, has also sought a position on the GFA Executive Council but was unsuccessful in his previous attempt.

Ayew, meanwhile, was part of Ghana's team that won the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt. He went on to enjoy an extensive career in club and international football and currently serves as chief executive officer of Nania FC.

A former GFA vice-president is also expected to join the contest, potentially adding to an increasingly competitive field.

With several names already being discussed, attention is turning to who will formally declare an intention to challenge for the presidency.

However, it remains unclear whether Gyan will enter the race, while the GFA has yet to announce the official timetable and nomination process for the election.